Final answer:
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute polyneuritic autoimmune disorder leading to profound myasthenia and possible paralysis, distinct from myasthenia gravis, which affects acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction.
Step-by-step explanation:
An autoimmune disorder of acute polyneuritis, producing profound myasthenia that may lead to paralysis, is known as Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). This disorder can be triggered by bacterial and viral infections and is characterized by the destruction of myelin sheaths around neurons, leading to symptoms such as tingling, muscle weakness, and in severe cases, complete paralysis. Unlike myasthenia gravis, which is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease primarily affecting the acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, GBS affects the peripheral nervous system's myelin sheath, resulting in the aforementioned acute symptoms. Treatment for both conditions may include immunotherapy and supportive care.